WO 2005/016211 Al ??? (I? II ??!?? I! I III My G?? G?? II I ??
SB, SI, SK, TR), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CU, ZM, ZW), E rasian patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, UK GA, GN , GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). TJ, TM), European patent (AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FL FR, GB, GR, HU IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT,
Declarations under Rule 4.17: RO, SE, SI, SK. TR), OAPI patent (BE BJ, CF. CG, CI. CM,
- as to the applicant's entitlement to apply for and be granted GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML. MR, NE, SN. TD, TG) a patent (Rule 4.17 (H)) for the following designations AE, - as is the applicant's entitlement to claim the priority of the AG, AL, ??, AT, AU, ??, ??, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA, earlier application (Rule 4.17 (iii)) far all designations CH, CN, CO, CR. CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, ES, Fl, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL. IN, IS, JP. KE, Published: KG, KP, KR. KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, - with international search reporí MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NI. NO, NZ, OM, PG, PH. PL, PT, RO. RU, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SY, TJ, TM, TN, For two-letter codes and other abhreviations, refer to the "Guid- TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ VC VN , YU, ZA, ZM, ZW, AR1PO ance Notes on Codes and Abhreviations "appearing at the beginning- patent (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, SO, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ning nf each regular issue of the PCT Gaze.tte.
BRAZING MEMBER COMPRISING A CONFORMED TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a fastener member comprising a base panel and a shaped tab extending from the base panel. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fastener member that can be used to fasten a portion of an object to another portion thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The fastening systems are well known and widely used. An example is the disposable absorbent articles which are provided with fixing systems. The fastening systems provided in disposable absorbent articles are intended to form a closure in so-called open-type absorbent articles (eg, a diaper), when they are in use or to adjust the size or dimension of the circumference of the belt waist. so-called panty-type absorbent articles (for example a diaper). In the conventional arrangement of the fastening systems in disposable diapers, the function of the fastening member of this fastening system is to extend in a direction parallel to the lateral direction of the absorbent diaper, such that the fastening member is pulled in the lateral direction to hold the diaper and form a defined dimension in the waist opening. This provides a lateral tension force to maintain the diaper in the user's abdominal region. However, this defined waist dimension created by the restraint system can not accommodate changes in the body dimension caused by the movement of the user, such that the diaper tends to slip / slide down the wearer's body when the size of your abdomen is reduced with respect to the defined dimension formed by the restraint system. Furthermore, when the abdominal dimension becomes larger than the defined dimension formed by the restraint system, the body tends to push the diaper towards a different position in the wearer's body (usually towards an area of smaller size, It is also true that the initial adjustment tends to be tightened so much over the user's abdomen that the diaper may mark the skin or be uncomfortable to the user. Many attempts have been made to solve these problems. U.S. Pat. no. 5,383,871, issued to Carlin et al. on January 24, 1995, describes a closure system for anchoring the absorbent article in the user. The closure system provides a primary tension line around the user that fits predominantly in the slow moving area to improve the dynamic fit and anchor the absorbent core in place so that it does not slip / slide during use. . The primary voltage line established by the closure system is located at a certain angle in the user. In the preferred modalities, the closure system has tape tabs that have a specific design, which allows to easily form the primary tension line "at an angle" around the user. U.S. Pat. no. 5,603,794, issued to Thomas on .18 February 1997, discloses a method for manufacturing angled tape tabs for use in disposable absorbent articles. The tape tabs are disposed at a certain angle with respect to the machine direction or the longitudinal centerline of the disposable diaper so as to improve fit and containment around the wearer's waist. However, these publications do not disclose any specific design for the tape tab that allows the operation of the manufacturing process to be easy and inexpensive without generation of clippings, while giving directionality to the tape tab. Based on the foregoing, there is a need for a fastener member that can provide directionality to the fastener member. Likewise, there is a need for a fastener member that can be manufactured easily and economically without generating cuts. None of the existing absorbent articles provides all the advantages and benefits of the present invention.
BRVE E DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has to do with a fastening member. The fastening member extends in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction and has a lateral center line. The fastening member comprises a base panel and a shaped tab extending laterally from the base panel. The shaped tab has a longitudinal center line, a lateral center line, a distal portion and a proximal portion. The shaped tab has a contour edge that includes a shaped upper edge and a shaped lower edge. The shaped upper edge and the shaped lower edge are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the formed tongue when they are relatively displaced in the longitudinal direction and are asymmetric with respect to the lateral center line of the fastening member. The relevant parts of all the cited documents are incorporated herein by reference; the mention of any document should not be construed as an admission that it constitutes a prior industry with respect to the present invention.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Even when the specification concludes with claims that point out in particular and clearly claim the invention, it is considered that this will be better understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with the figures in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modality of a diaper having a fastening member of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a transverse view taken along line ll-ll of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top plan view of the diaper of Figure 1 in its flat and simple configuration; Figure 4 is an enlarged top plan view of the fastening member. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a schematic top plan view of the fastener member shown in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a schematic view of upper floor showing the contour edge of the fastening member. Figure 8 is a schematic view of a process forming a plurality of fastener members. Figure 9 is a schematic front view showing the fastener member attached to the zone member for positioning. Figure 10 is an alternative embodiment of a fastener member.
Figure 11 is another alternative embodiment of a fastener member. Figure 12 is another alternative embodiment of a fastener member. Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a diaper having an alternative fastener member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As used herein, the term "comprising" means that other steps and other ingredients may be added that do not affect the final result. This term includes the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of". As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and contain body exudates, and more specifically refers to devices that are placed against or in proximity to the user's body to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles that are not intended to be washed or otherwise reconstituted or reused as an absorbent article (ie, they are not intended to be discarded after being used once and preferably to be recycled, converted into fertilizer or otherwise disposed of in a manner compatible with the environment). As used herein, the term "disposed" or "positioned" is used to indicate that a diaper element (s) is formed (joined and placed) in a particular location or position as a unitary structure together with other elements. diaper elements or as a separate element attached to another diaper element. As used in this document, the term "joined" encompasses configurations by means of which one element is directly secured to another element by directly attaching to the other element, and configurations by means of which one element is indirectly secured to another element by attaching to an intermediate member (s) (s) which in turn are fixed to the other element). As used herein, the term "diaper" refers to an absorbent article that is usually worn by infants and incontinent persons around the lower torso. The present invention is also applicable to other absorbent articles such as, for example, briefs for people with incontinence, undergarments for people with incontinence, absorbent inserts, fasteners and liners for diapers, garments for feminine hygiene, and the like. The term "longitudinal" as used herein refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the absorbent article that is generally aligned (eg, approximately parallel) with a vertical plane that bisects a user standing in a left half and right side of the body when the absorbent article is used. The terms "transverse" or "lateral" as used herein, are interchangeable and refer to each other automatically, and the address that is found in the direction of the absorbent article generally perpendicular to the address longitudinal Figure 1 is a perspective view of diaper 20 having a fastening member 48 of the present invention. With reference to Figure 2, which shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line ll-ll of Figure 1, and Figure 3 also showing an upper planar view of the diaper 20 of Figure 1 in its configuration flat and simple, the diaper 20 has an inner surface 26 facing the wearer, an opposite external surface 28, a longitudinal centerline L and a lateral center line T. The diaper 20 also has longitudinal side edges 22 running, usually , in the longitudinal direction of the diaper and the extreme edges; side end edges 24 running between the longitudinal side edges 22, generally the end direction of the diaper 20. The periphery of the diaper 20 is defined by the longitudinal side edges 22 and the side end edges 24. diaper 20 further has a front waist region 36, a back waist region 38 and a crotch region 40 located between the front waist region 36 and the rear waist region 38. The diaper 20 comprises a chassis 54 yunm s The bracket 48 is attached to the chassis 54. The chassis 54 is generally rectangular in shape when in a flattened configuration, as shown in Figure 3. The chassis 54 has end side edges 58 and longitudinal side edges 56. end edge 58 of the chassis 54 preferably defines the end side edge 24 of the diaper 20. The longitudinal side edges 56 of the chassis 54 preferably define the edge late longitudinal rail 22 of the diaper 20, at least in the crotch region 40. The chassis 54 comprises a liquid-permeable upper sheet 30; a lower cloth 32 impermeable to liquids; an absorbent core 34 which is preferably positioned at least between a portion of the upper canvas 30 and one of the lower canvas 32; and a side flap 44 extending laterally outwardly of the absorbent core 34. The side flap 44 has a proximal fin 74 and a distal flap 76. The chassis 54 further includes an outer elasticated leg fold 42, placed adjacently to the head. longitudinal length 22 in the crotch region 40. The outer elasticated leg 42 fold has a base 68 and a gasket 70 supported by the base 68 at the joint 72 of the base 68 with the gasket 70. The gasket 70 is provided with an elastic material 46 and has an internal fold 81 extending laterally inward from the joint 72 and an outer fold 83 extending laterally outside the joint 72. The chassis 54, shown in Figure 1, can also include leg barrier folds 52 and a waist elastic (not shown in the figures). The fastening member 48 is attached adjacent the longitudinal side edge 56 of the chassis 54 and is attached to an element constituting the chassis 54, such as an upper canvas, a lower canvas, an absorbent core, an elasticized outer leg fold, a barrier fold for steel or combinations thereof, using any known means, such as bonding with adhesives or heat and pressure, so that the fastening member 48 extends laterally outwardly from the absorbent core 34. In the As shown in Figure 1, the bracket 48 is attached to the lower canvas 32 by means of heat and pressure bonding. The fastening member 48 comprises a lug panel or base panel 49 and a shaped tab 51 that extends laterally outwardly of the lug panel 49 in the stretched configuration of the shaped tab 51 (Figures 1 and 3 show that the shaped tab 51 is bent laterally inwards). The fastening member 48 also comprises fastening materials 100. The front waist region 36 has a zone member for positioning 94 to form the closure of the diaper 20, together with the fastening materials 100 of the fastening member 48. The upper canvas liquid permeable 30 is preferably located so as to be adjacent to the surface facing the body of the absorbent core 34 and may be joined thereto and / or with the lower canvas 32 by any means of attachment known in the industry. The upper canvas 30 is preferably moldable, soft to the touch and does not irritate the wearer's skin. In addition, at least a portion of the upper canvas 30 is permeable to liquids, allowing it to easily penetrate through its thickness. A superior canvas 30 can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as porous foams., cross-linked foams, perforated plastic films or woven and non-woven fabric webs of natural fibers (for example, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fiber (for example, polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers . Preferably, the upper canvas 30 is made of a hydrophobic material or treated to be hydrophobic, in order to isolate the user's skin from the liquids contained in the absorbent core 34. If the upper canvas 30 is made of a hydrophobic material, preferably at least the upper surface of the upper canvas 30 is treated to be hydrophilic and the liquids are transferred more rapidly through the upper canvas. The lower liquid impermeable sheet 32 is generally that portion of the diaper 20 located adjacent to the surface of the absorbent core 34 that is oriented towards the garment. The lower canvas 32 prevents the exudates absorbed and contained therein from soiling articles that may be in contact with the diaper 20, such as bedding and underwear. In preferred embodiments, the bottom sheet 32 is impervious to liquids (eg, urine) and consists of a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic film with a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mil). Suitable lower canvas films include those manufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, IN and marketed under the names X15306, X10962 and X10964. Other suitable bottom sheet materials may include permeable materials that allow the vapors to escape from the diaper 20 and at the same time prevent the excretions from passing through the bottom canvas 32. Illustrative permeable materials may include materials such as woven cloth and fabric webs non-woven, composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, and microporous films such as those made by Mitsui Toatsu Co. of Japan under the name of ESPOIR NO and by EXXON Chemical Co. of Bay City, TX under the name of EXXAIRE. Ventilated composites that are suitable and contain polymer blends can be obtained from Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, OH, under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. The lower canvas 32 may be covered by a woven or non-woven fabric to impart to the diaper an appearance more similar to that of the fabric. The absorbent core 34 may comprise an absorbent material that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the user's skin and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other body excretions. The core 10
absorbent 34 has longitudinal side edges and end edges and can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (eg, rectangular, in the form of a clepsydra, a "T", asymmetric, etc.) and can comprise a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles, such as crushed wood pulp, which is generally referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include curled cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coform; cellulose fibers that are chemically reinforced, modified or cross-linked; tissue paper including tissue paper wrappers and tissue paper laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials or any other absorbent material or combinations of known materials. In either case, all or a portion of the core may include grooves that allow the core to form openings when stretched and toward which the fecal matter can flow. The configuration and construction of the core to bsorbent 34 may also vary (eg, absorbent cores or other absorbent structures may have a variable gauge zone, a hydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient or a lower average density and weight acquisition zones. lower average base, or may comprise one or more layers or structures, however, the total absorption capacity of the absorbent core 34 must be compatible with the load and the use to which the diaper 20 is intended. The barrier fold for the leg 52 is attached so as to be adjacent to the longitudinal side edges 56 of the structure 54. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the barrier fold for the leg 52 joins the upper canvas 30 at the edge next 66 of the barrier fold for the leg 52 by any known means The leg barrier fold 52 may comprise any known material, such as a non-woven fabric material that can be
impermeable to liquids and / or hydrophobic. The barrier fold for the leg 52 has a lateral inner portion 62 that extends laterally inward of the proximal edge 66 and is constituted by resilient materials at the distal end of the lateral internal portion 62 to orient the inner lateral portion 62 inwardly away. of the upper 30 canvas so that it works as a barrier against the runoff of the corporal exudates. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the side flap 44 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is located adjacent the longitudinal side edge 56 of the structure 54 so as to extend laterally outwardly of the absorbent core 34. The side flap 44 is preferably formed with a material that is impermeable to liquids and / or hydrophobic. The side flap 44 has a proximal fin 74 that is laterally proximate to the absorbent core 34 and a distal fin 76 that extends laterally outwardly from the proximal fin 74. The proximal fin 74 and the distal fin 76 can be formed with an integrated material or , alternatively, they can be formed with separate materials joined together. The side flap 44 may be formed by only one layer of material, or two or more layers of material. The outer elasticated leg 42 fold, shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, comprises the side flap 44 and the elastic material 46. The outer leg fold 42 is, generally, a T-shaped fold having a base 68 and a gasket 70 supported by the base 68 at the joint 72 of the base with the gasket 70. The term "generally T-shaped" means that the base branches from the gasket, at the junction between the internal fold and the outer fold of the gasket, such that the base forms an angle with the internal bend and an angle with the outer bend in a cross-sectional view when the diaper is in its relaxed configuration. ThusThe bend can form a 90 degree angle or an angle other than 90 degrees with the internal fold and the external fold. The tail 68 comprises the proximal fin! 74 and extends between the longitudinal side edge of the absorbent core 34 and the joint 72. The gasket 70 includes the distal flap 76 and is located in the upper part of the base 68. The gasket 70 has an internal fold 81 extending laterally into the joint 72 and an outer fold 83 extending laterally outwardly from the joint 72, as shown in Figure 2. The upper part of the surface 86 of the gasket has a generally flat surface in cross section, as is shown in Figure 2, while it may have a certain degree of undulation in the longitudinal direction formed by the shirring caused by the elastic material 46, as shown in Figure 1. The gasket 70 is provided with the elastic material 46, such as a plurality of elastic strands, a single elastic band or the like. The fastening member 48 includes a lug panel or base panel 49 and a shaped tab 51 that extends laterally outwardly of the lug panel 49 in the stretched configuration of the shaped tab 51. The lug panel 49 and the shaped tab 51 they may be formed of an integrated material or may be formed of separate materials joined together. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, a portion of the shaped tab 51 is formed integrally with the lug panel 49. The fastening member 48 also has fastening materials 100 to form a closure of the diaper 20 together with the closure member. the area for placement 94. The lug panel 49 may include any material such as a plastic film, woven or non-woven fabric webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), intimate fibers (e.g. polyester or polypropylene fibers) or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers or can include any combination of
materials of these same. The lug panel 49 is preferably compliant, soft to the touch and does not irritate the user's skin, since the lug panel 49 is in contact with the wearer's skin during use. In addition, at least a portion of the lug panel 49 can be vapor permeable, allowing vapor to easily penetrate through its thickness. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the lug panel 49 comprises a plastic film 53 and a nonwoven fabric 55 laminated to the plastic film 53, such that when the diaper 20 is in use, the non-woven fabric 55 is oriented towards the body of the user and the plastic film 53 is oriented outwards. The lug panel 49 may be stretchable, so that the lug panel 49 can provide a force to hold the diaper in the wearer's body. The shaped tab 51 may contain an extension of the lug panel 49 or may contain tools sold to the front panel 49. The shaped tab 51, shown in Figure 5, includes a front portion 57. , a connecting portion 59 and a rear portion 61. The rear portion 61 comprises an extension of the lug panel 49. The front portion 57 may contain the same material as the lug panel 49 and / or the connecting portion 59, or may contain different materials. The front portion 57 serves as the grip portion of the shaped tab 51. The connection portion 59 preferably comprises a material different from the material of the lug panel 49. This makes it possible to confer on the connection portion 59 properties different from those of the material. of the lug panel 49 related, for example with stiffness and stretchability. The connecting portion 59 may include a plastic film, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric or a combination thereof. Preferably, the connection portion 59 is more rigid than the lug panel 49. Preferably, the connection portion 59 is less stretchable than the lug panel 49. A connection portion 59 that is more rigid and / or less stretchable 1
that the lug panel 49 reduces the transmission of the forces generated in the panel 49. It also reduces the transmission of the wrinkles created in the lug panel 49 by the forces generated in the lug panel 49. The portion of connection 49 has an adhesive means 63 for joining portions of the connecting portion 49 to the rear portion 61 and the front portion 57. The shaped tab 51 is provided with the fastening material 100. The fastening material 100 is intended to provide a fastening means for engaging or coupling with the positioning zone member 94, so as to give the diaper 20 a secure lateral closure. In this way, the fastening material 100 comprises a first hook fastening material 106 that includes a plurality of hooks 102 and the base substrate 04 for supporting the hooks 102. The base substrate 104 is attached to the connecting portion 59 of the fastener. formed tab 51 by means of adhesive means 63. It is preferred that hooks 102 protrude beyond the surface of lug panel 49, so that hooks 102 engage sufficiently with the positioning zone member 94. It should be understood that the use of the term "hook" should not be limiting, in the sense that the hooking elements can include any shape known in the industry, provided they are adapted to engage with a member complementary to the area for placement. The first hook fastening material 106 may have any of the well-known securing configurations and means for achieving lateral closure of a diaper. It is preferred that the first hook fastening material 106 contains two hook fastening materials that are positioned separately in the lateral direction of the shaped tongue 51. Each of the first hook fastening materials 106 extends, so Generally, in the longitudinal direction of the shaped tab 51 and between each of these first hook fastening materials 106 there is a gap. Without being desired 5
be limited by theory, it is believed that the separation between the clamping materials helps to reduce the transmission of induced stress, generated in one of the clamping materials, towards the other clamping material and prevents the other clamping material from peeling off , due to the transmission of the induced stresses, generated in one of the fastening materials. The spacing may have a side width of from about 3 mm to about 15 mm, preferably from about 5 mm to about 13 mm, more preferably from about 7 mm to about 11 mm. While the fastening material 100 comprises a first hook fastening material 106 which. has a plurality of hooks 102, the fastening material 100 can have first adhesive materials placed separately in the lateral direction of the diaper 20. The fastening material 100 can also have a second adhesive material 108 located in the separation in the first material hook fastener 106. The second adhesive material 108 may comprise the adhesive means 63 of the connecting portion 59 or may comprise a different adhesive means. The second adhesive material 108 provides a complementary fastening means. The second adhesive material 108 can also serve as a means to temporarily attach the shaped tab 51 to the lug panel 49, as shown in Figure 1, before the use of the diaper 20. Alternatively, the second adhesive material 108 can serve as a means to secure the dirty diaper to discard it, when attached to the lower canvas 32 after rolling it up. This adhesive material 108 is particularly useful when the outer surface of the lower canvas 32 comprises a plastic film, since the engaging means does not become entangled in the plastic film. The brace member 48 may be provided with the method that the shaped tab 51 having the fastening material 100 overlie the lug panel 16.
49 and engages the non-woven fabric 55 of the lug panel 49, as shown in Figure 1. In this configuration, the shaped tab 51 can be folded along the partition line 110 described below. Alternatively, the fastening member 48 can be bent at any point on the shaped tab 51 or the lug panel 49. For example, the fastening member 48 can be bent along the line 106A, 106B or 106C, as indicated in FIG. Figure 4. When the fastening member 48 is bent along the line 106A or 106B, the second adhesive material 108 overlaps some of the first hook fastening materials 106. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the adhesion of the second material. adhesive 108, because the adhesive material 108 only touches the head of the hooks 102. The design of the fastening member 48 is such that it has a specific shape that provides directionality to the fastening member 48 and that at the same time allows its manufacture to be easy , economic and do not generate cuts. Figure 6 shows an enlarged top plan view of the fastening member 48 comprising the base panel or lug panel 49 and the shaped tab 51. The fastening member 48 extends in the longitudinal direction and in the lateral direction corresponding, respectively, to the longitudinal direction and lateral direction of the diaper 20. The shaped tab 51 is positioned to extend laterally from the base panel or tab panel 49. The tab panel 49 and the shaped tab 51 may be divided by a line of partition 110 extending in the longitudinal direction, shown as an imaginary line in Figure 6. The fastening member 48 also has a lateral center line T1. The lateral center line T1 of the fastening member 48 can be defined as a line extending in the lateral direction and dividing the dividing line 10 into two equal parts, that is, in an upper half and a lower half, see Figure 6. Latch panel 49 is generally rectangular in shape and has a 17
upper side edge 112, a lower side edge 114, an anterior longitudinal edge 116 and a rear longitudinal edge 118. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the upper side edge 112 and the lower side edge 114 are parallel, while the upper side edge 112 and the lower side edge 114 are parallel. The anterior longitudinal edge 116 and the posterior longitudinal edge 118 are also parallel. Since the upper lateral edge 112 and the lower lateral edge 114 are parallel, the longitudinal distance V of the lug panel 49 must be constant at any point along the lateral direction of the lug panel 49. This constant longitudinal distance V Latch panel 49 does not allow the generation of cutouts when fastener member 48 is manufactured continuously, as described below. While this constant longitudinal distance V of the lug panel 49 is maintained along the lateral direction, the upper lateral edge and the lower lateral edge may be curved, corrugated or take any other shape. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the partition line 110 is aligned with the anterior longitudinal edge 116. The partition line 10 is defined as a longitudinal line having the same longitudinal distance V as the rest of the lug panel 49. and is the closest to the shaped tongue 51. The longitudinal distance in the area of the shaped tongue 51 changes depending on the desired shape of the tongue and this change in longitudinal distance imparts the "shape" to the shaped tongue . In other words, the partition line 10 is the boundary line to begin to change the longitudinal distance of the fastening member 48 as it moves from the lug panel 49 towards the shaped tab 51. The shaped tab 51 extends laterally from the panel lug 49. The shaped tab 51 is surrounded by a contour edge 124 and by the partition line 110. The shaped tab 51 has a longitudinal centerline L2 and a lateral centerline T2. The longitudinal center line L2 can be defined as a 1
line extending in the longitudinal direction and dividing the maximum lateral width W of the shaped tongue 110 into two equal parts. The maximum width W can be determined as the width from the partition line 1 0 to a point at the contour edge 124 which is laterally farthest from the partition line 110. The shaped tab 51 also has a distal portion 120 and a portion proximal 122 that are located in the lateral direction. The distal portion 120 and the proximal portion 122 can be separated by the longitudinal center line L2. The linear centerline T 2 can be defined as a line extending in a lateral direction and dividing the longitudinal center line L2 into two equal halves, namely an upper half and a lower half. The longitudinal center line L2 and the lateral center line T2 intersect at the center point X. While the partition line 110 shown in Figure 6 is not altered by the contour edge 124 of the shaped tab 51, the line of partition 110 may be altered by contour edge 124, as shown by a dotted line in Figure 6, depending on the shape of contour edge 124. Contour edge 124. of shaped tab 51 includes a shaped upper edge 1 26 yunb lower order formed 1 28, which are defined by being separated by the lateral center line T1 of the fastening member 48. In this way, the shaped upper edge 126 extends from a point D where the contour edge 124 and the partition line 110 intersect in the upper half of the fastening member 48 to a point E where the contour edge 124 and the lateral center line T1 of the fastening member 48 intersect. The lower edge c Shaped 28 extends from the point E to a point F, where the contour edge 124 and the partition line 110 intersect in the lower half of the fastening member 48. The longitudinal center line L2 intersects the shaped top edge 126 in a point A in the upper half of the holding member 48 and intersecting the shaped lower edge 128 at a point B 19
in the lower half of the fastening member 48. The lateral center line T2 intersects the contour edge 124 at a point C. The shaped top edge 126 extending between the point D and the point E and the shaped bottom edge 128 which extends between point E and point F have specific forms. It is important that the shaped upper edge 26 and the shaped lower edge 128 are symmetrical with respect to the lateral center line T1 of the fastening member 48, as shown in Figure 7. It is also important that the shaped upper edge 126 and the lower edge formed 128 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center line L2 of the shaped tab 51 when moving relatively in the longitudinal direction. As shown in Figure 7, the shaped top edge 126, shown by the full line, is relatively offset in the longitudinal direction towards the shaped bottom edge 128, as shown by the imaginary dotted line 26. The imaginary dotted line of the shaped upper edge 126 thus displaced is symmetrical with the shaped lower edge 128 with respect to the longitudinal centerline L2 of the shaped tongue 51. While the shaped upper edge 126 is relatively offset in the longitudinal direction of Figure 7 , the shaped lower edge 128 may be relatively displaced in the longitudinal direction towards the shaped upper edge 126. The specific shapes of the shaped upper edge 126 and the shaped lower edge 1 28 are important to provide a fastener member having directionality and whose making it easy and cheap without generating cuts. The asymmetry of the shaped upper edge 126 and of the shaped lower edge 128 with respect to the lateral center line T1 of the fastening member 48 allows to confer directionality to the shaped tongue 51. The symmetry of the shaped upper edge 126 and of the edge 20
bottom formed 128 with respect to the longitudinal centerline L2 of the shaped tongue 51, when it is relatively displaced on the longitudinal centerline L2, allows a fastener member to be manufactured continuously, easily and inexpensively without generating cutouts. The directionality of the shaped tab 51 can be recognized, generally, by the shape of the distal portion 20 of the shaped tab 51. The design of the distal portion 120 of the shaped tab 51, shown in Figure 6, is such that provide a downward directionality, as indicated by arrow M. More specifically, directionality can be recognized by the specific shapes of the distal upper edge extending between point A and point C of distal portion 120 and distal lower edge extending between point C and point B of distal portion 120. It is convenient to compare the shape of the distal upper edge and the distal lower edge using the greatest distance from the center point X of the shaped tab 51. As shown in FIG. shown in Figure 6, the distal upper edge has a point G that is spaced from the greatest distance from the center point X. The distal lower edge has a point H therein that is separate by the greater distance from the center point X. The greater distance between the point H and the center point X is, preferably, greater than the maximum distance between the side G and the central point X. Because of this difference in distance from the center point X, the user recognizes the directionality of the distal portion 120. It is preferred that the largest distance between the center point X and the point H be present at an angle S of about 30 degrees. at approximately 60 degrees in descending manner with respect to the lateral center line T2. It is also preferred that the largest distance between the center point X and the point G be present at an angle T of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees ascending with respect to the lateral centerline T2. What is even more preferred is that the largest distance between the center point X and the point H is not less than 21
approximately 120% of the greatest distance between the center point X and the point G. It is also preferred that the largest distance between the center point X and the point H is not greater than about 200% of the greatest distance between the center point X and the point G. The distal portion 120 of the shaped tab 51 may preferably have a rounded upper corner 130 and a rounded lower corner 132 that are adjacent, respectively, to point G and point H. It is preferred that the upper corner rounded 130 has a radius of curvature greater than that of the rounded lower corner 132. This also helps to define the shape of the shaped tongue 51 in order to provide directionality. The proximal portion 122 of the shaped tab 51 can have a recess 134 in the formed upper edge 126 and a recess 136 in the shaped lower edge 128. The recess 134 extends between the point D and the point A of the shaped upper edge 126 and its shape is symmetrical with that of the rounded lower corner 132 which extends between points E and B when it is relatively offset in the longitudinal direction. At least a portion of the recess 136 extends between the point B and the point F of the shaped lower edge 128 and its shape is symmetrical with the rounded upper corner 130 extending between point A and point E. The recess 34 and / or the recess 36 effectively reduces the wrinkles generated in the lug panel 49 by the lateral pulling force, which are to be transmitted to the upper edge and / or the lower edge of the shaped tongue 51 and help the lateral pulling force Concentrate on the central portion of the shaped tab 51, along the lateral center line T2. In this way, since the wrinkles are no longer transmitted to the upper edge and / or to the lower edge of the shaped tab 51, in particular, to the distal portion 120, it is possible to reduce the risk of removing the shaped tab 51, caused by the wrinkles. Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a process that forms a 22
plurality of fastener members. In Figure 8, the frame 148 of fastener members is supplied in the direction indicated by the arrow P. The frame 148 of fastener members is preferably provided with a fastening material, such as a hook fastening material and / or an adhesive material. The frame 148 of the fastener members is cut along a shaped cut line 160 which, in general, extends in the longitudinal direction and is cut along a side cut line 162 to obtain a plurality of fastener members. 48. A pair of fastener members 48 can be joined with the opposite longitudinal side edges 56 of the chassis 54, as shown in Figure 3. The side cut line 162 forms the lower side edge 114A of the previous fastener member 48A and the side edge. upper 12C of the following 48C fastener member on the left side. The shaped cut line 160 forms the contour edge 124 of the shaped tab 51. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the shaped tab 51 B of the right side fastening member 48B has the shaped upper edge 126B and the shaped bottom edge. 128B. The shaped upper edge 26B corresponds to the shaped lower edge 28A of the shaped tongue 51A of the previous fastening member 48A on the left side. The shaped lower edge 128B corresponds to the shaped upper edge 126C of the formed tongue 51C of the following fastening member 48C on the left side. In this way, the specific configuration of the fastener member allows the continuous manufacture of fastener members with ease and economy, without generating any clipping, as well as giving directionality to the fastener member. The fastening member 48 which possesses steering is especially useful when the fastening member 48 is attached to the positioning zone member 94 to form a closure on the diaper 20. As shown in Figure 9, the positioning zone member 94 has a front waist region (not shown in Figure 23)
9). Because the shaped tab 51 of the holding member 48 has a downward directionality M, as explained above, the user tends to pull down the shaped tab 51, whereby it is easy to form the line of tension "at an angle" around the user. The positioning zone member 94 of Figure 9 may be provided with an angled guide means 95 to indicate the direction of the fastening member 48 and more easily form the "angled" tension line around the user. While many alternatives for forming a fastening member of the present invention are possible, only some representative examples are described below. Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a fastening member. The fastening member 248 contains the base panel or ear panel 249 and the shaped tab 251 segmented by the partition line 310 extending in the longitudinal direction. The tab panel 249 has an upper side edge 312, a lower side edge 314, a front longitudinal edge 316 and a rear longitudinal edge 3 8. While the upper side edge 3 2 and the lower side edge 314 are curved, as shown in Figure 10, the longitudinal distance V between them remains constant along the lateral direction of the tab panel 249. The contour edge 324 of the shaped tab 251 is formed by a combination of straight lines, as shown in Figure 10. The shaped tab 251 also has a distal portion 320 and a proximal portion 322. The contour edge 324 of the shaped tab 251 includes a shaped upper edge 326 and a shaped lower edge 328. The shaped upper edge 326 is extends from a point D where the contour edge 324 and the partition line 310 intersect in the upper half of the fastening member 248 to a point E, where they intersect the contour edge 324 and the lateral center line T1 of the fastening member 248. The shaped lower edge 328 extends from the point E to a point F, where the contour edge 324 and the partition line 310 intersect in the middle bottom of the fastening member 248. The shaped upper edge 326 and the shaped lower edge 328 are symmetrical with respect to the lateral center line T1 of the fastening member 248, as shown in Figure 10. The shaped upper edge 326 and the shaped bottom edge 328 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal centerline L2 of the shaped tab 251 when moving relatively in the longitudinal direction. In Figure 10 it is preferred that the largest distance between the point H and the center point X is greater than the largest distance between the point G and the center point X. The shaped upper edge 326 of the shaped tongue 251 has a corner distal upper and narrowed 327, while shaped lower edge 328 retains the shape of distal lower corner 329 having a right angle. This contrast in the shape of the distal upper corner 327 and the distal lower corner 329 also contributes to imparting directionality to the shaped tongue 251. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the proximal portion 322 of the shaped tongue 251 does not it has the formed upper edge recess 326 and it does not have it at the shaped lower edge 328. FIG. 1 1 also shows an alternative m odality of a fastening member. This embodiment of the fastening member 448 also contains the base panel or lug panel 449 and the shaped tab 451 segmented by the partition line 510 extending in the longitudinal direction. The contour edge 524 of the shaped tab 451 is formed by a combination of straight lines, as shown in Figure 11. The shaped tab 451 also has a distal portion 520 and a proximal portion 522. The contour edge 524 of the shaped tab 451 includes an edge 25
shaped upper 526 and a shaped lower edge 528. The shaped upper edge 526 extends from a point D where the contour edge 524 and the partition line 510 intersect in the upper half of the holding member 448 to a point E where they intersect the contour edge 524 and the lateral center line T1 of the fastening member 448. The shaped lower edge 528 extends from the point E to a point F, where the contour edge 524 and the partition line 510 intersect in the lower half of the fastening member 448. The shaped upper edge 526 and the shaped lower edge 528 are symmetrical with respect to the lateral center line T1 of the fastening member 448, as shown in Figure 11. The shaped upper edge 526 and the shaped lower edge 528 they are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal centerline L2 of the shaped tab 451 when moving relatively in the longitudinal direction. In Figure 11 it is preferred that the largest distance between the point H and the center point X is greater than the largest distance between the point G and the center point X. The shaped bottom edge 528 of the shaped tab 451 has a projection 529 which projects generally downwards, while the shaped upper edge 526 has the shape of the upper diagonal corner 527 having a right angle. This contrast in the shape of the distal upper corner 527 and that of the projection 529 also contributes to imparting directionality to the shaped tab 451. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the proximal portion of the shaped tab 451 has a recess 534 on the upper formed edge 526 and does not have it on the shaped lower edge 528. Figure 12 further shows an alternative embodiment of a fastening member. This embodiment of the fastening member 648 also comprises the base panel or ear panel 649 and the shaped tab 651 segmented by the partition line 710 extending in the longitudinal direction. The shaped tongue 651 26
it also has a distal portion 720 and a proximal portion 722. The contour edge 724 of the shaped tab 651 includes a shaped upper edge 726 and a shaped lower edge 728. The shaped upper edge 726 extends from a point D where the edge 724 and the partition line 710 intersect in the upper half of the fastening member 648 to a point E where the contour edge 724 and the lateral centerline T1 of the fastening member 648 intersect. The shaped bottom edge 728 extends from the point E to a point F, where the contour edge 724 and the partition line 710 intersect in the lower half of the fastening member 648. The shaped upper edge 726 and the shaped lower edge 728 are symmetrical with respect to the center line side T1 of the holding member 648, as shown in Figure 12. The shaped upper edge 726 and the shaped lower edge 728 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center line L2 of the shaped tongue 651 when moving relatively in the longitudinal direction. In Figure 12 it is preferred that the largest distance between the point H and the center point X is greater than the largest distance between the point G and the center point X. The shaped upper edge 726 of the distal portion 720 (i.e. between the point A and the point G) and the shaped bottom edge 728 of the distal portion 720 (ie between the point H and the point B) are inclined downwards, as they are laterally separated from the proximal portion 722. This shape of the shaped upper edge 726 and shaped lower edge 728 of distal portion 720 also contributes to imparting directionality to shaped tab 651. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the proximal portion of shaped tab 651 has a recess 734 in the shaped upper edge 726 and a recess 734 in the shaped bottom edge 728. Figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment of a diaper having a fastening member. The diaper 820 comprises a chassis 854 and a side panel 847 attached to the 27
chassis 854. Chassis 854 has a liquid-permeable top sheet 830, a bottom sheet 832 impervious to liquids and an absorbent core 834. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, side panel 847 is formed as an integral extension of the canvas bottom 832 (e.g., an extension of a liquid impervious film or an extension of an outer nonwoven fabric that covers the liquid impervious film). Therefore, the bottom sheet 832 of the diaper 820 is generally hourglass-shaped with a narrow crotch region. The diaper 820 also has the fastening member 848. The fastening member 848 is provided in the form of a fastening tape and includes a shaped tab 851 and a base panel 849. Most of the base panel 849 is used to join the fastener member 848 with side panel 847. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the industry that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It has been intended, therefore, to cover in the appended claims all changes and modifications that are within the scope of the invention.